Leprechaun honorees named; convention is March 15

Friday

Feb 21, 2014 at 6:00 AM

CLINTON — The 2014 Leprechaun Parade and Convention will take place on Saturday, March 15. The parade steps off from the Elks Lodge, on School Street, at noon. The convention is called to order at 12:30 p.m. at the Clinton Town Hall.

This year's convention will be dedicated in memory of Mike Palumbo, a band member of "Mulligan Stew," who volunteered his talents each year to provide live Irish music at the Leprechaun Convention. Palumbo passed due to an illness last fall.

The 73 nominees were inducted, deducted, considered, reconsidered and narrowed to the following, according to Edward "Himself" Sheridan:

Shillelagh Awards

Pat Ball and Brigid Ball Vetros — This brother and sister pair has been individually nominated many times in the past. Ball is the supervising probation officer at the Clinton District Court, a Eucharistic minister at St. John's Church and a family man. Vetros is a typical Irish mom and an RN who works around the clock to provide for her daughters.

Brett Cooper — Cooper is a person who makes the world more special by his presence. He is a regular at the Leprechaun Convention every year and claps to the beat of the Irish rebel music as he sits next to the Brennan Brothers.

Mary Rose and John McNamara – The proud parents of four sons ("who have each contributed to their sainthood," according to Sheridan), they have devoted their lives to hard work and fundraising for hockey, Little League, Boy Scouts and assisting military families.

Brian McNally — The son of "Boogers" McNally has been nominated for his own contributions to the community. Brian has not only stepped up to carry on the family business (Old Timer Restaurant), but he has sponsored a number of road races to raise funds for Boston Marathon bombing victims and local families in need.

Josie Guidi McNamara — "A finer mother, grandmother or childcare provider cannot be found," Sheridan declared. "Having raised a brood of her own and cared for dozens of other infants and toddlers, she is loved and respected by all who know her. Josie has taught many youngsters their ABC's and witnessed many others roll over or take their first steps."

Marie Kittredge – Kittredge has served the Town of Clinton for decades in the collector's office. The "long suffering" wife of husband, John, she spends her retirement enjoying her own brood of five, 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Maddy Hennessey — A mother of three from Cherry Valley, Hennessey has run education programs for Catholic Charities of Greater Worcester for 27 years. In addition to teaching GED classes, running volunteer programs, citizenship classes and working with the homeless, she found time to attend law school and she currently serves as an immigration attorney.

Robert Kane — A moving force behind keeping alive the celebration of Irish culture in Clinton, Kane has been the silent partner in organizing the "Rock Your Irish" concerts and other fundraisers to support the Polus Center. "His work to raise funds, hire the disabled and to help people in need, have earned him the respect of the wee-people," Sheridan said.

Nancy Starr — At the "tender age" of 88, Starr serves as a volunteer driver for the "Meals on Wheels" program for Clinton seniors. "Her friendly smile and refreshing humor brightens the day of all those she meets," Sheridan said. "This wee bit o' heaven on earth has earned her wings among the wee-people, who are honored to give her a blackthorn."

Kristi LaPerle O'Leary — As the volunteer coordinator at the Clinton Elementary School, O'Leary does it all and puts in full time hours for no pay. She trains volunteers, organizes fund-raising activities and schedules staff and events.

Ann Giovannucci Quill — For 20-plus years, Quill has dedicated her time and talent to raise her family and help others. She has helped to raise funds for high school sports on the Booster Club, serves as secretary for the Clinton Hospital Guild, assisted in the planning of the new Emergency Room and assists local schools in conducting hearing and vision tests.

Kathleen Lyons and Margaret Madaus — These two sisters (Murray girls by birth) share many things in common, Sheridan said. Lyons, "who has been sainted by a brood of five," managed the Press Box Pub and raised thousands for charitable causes. Madaus "has a brood of four" and, with her husband Ed, founded and renovated the Hanover Theatre. She is also active in the Coats for Kids program and the Emerald Society of Worcester.

Barney "Bee" Hastings — Hastings "is adored by his family and loved and respected by all who know him. If it were not for his affection for the Pittsburgh Steelers, 'Bee' would have a free pass to Paradise. An avid runner, Bee enjoys watching his sons and grandchildren participate in sports and life. Barney is the perfect role model given his humility and kindness.. Though this is a taxing time of year for him (working as an accountant at Farragher & Hennebry), the wee-people hope he can deduct some time from his "schedule Bee" to be refunded for his goodness."

Marie Sargent — Nominated many times before, Sargent "is a fine example of an Irish wife and mother, and a blessing to all those under her care as a nurse at UMass Hospital. The wee-people recall her concocting some fine 'cocktails' for 'Himself' prior to surgery a few years back.

Kevin and Maureen O'Loughlin — The parents of three sons, and both being teachers in the Clinton School system, "these white laced Irish (Lancaster) have positively influenced hundreds of youth in our community." They have helped raise funds for the Wee-People Fund, sold raffle tickets to support "Wounded Warriors," volunteered their services for the Leprechaun Convention and assisted the AOH fundraising for its many charities. F

Lillian Foster – As manager of the Clinton Elks Lodge, Foster has worked with the Leprechaun Society each year to help with the parade organization and the post convention corned beef and cabbage meal. In addition, "Lil gives freely of herself to help with any charitable cause where she can be of assistance."

Jan Gottesman – As the editor of The Item, Gottesman "has earned the utmost respect of the local leprechauns. Over the years our society has grown tremendously, due in no small part to Jan's support. She is always willing to promote our ticket sales, assist the nomination process and document the 'noble deeds of common men and women' we celebrate each year."

Jeff Bilotta — For all he does for the AOH and Leprechaun Society, Biilotta has certainly earned his stick. Each year, his culinary skills are utilized as he prepares sausage grinders for Olde Home Days or assists at the corned beef and cabbage dinner. In addition, he lends his time and talent to serve up dinners for the elderly, local veterans and a variety of other special functions as a member of the Elks.

Michael "Slip" Tierney Award

Douglas Price — Price has volunteered his time, effort and skills to promote the Crystal Club Charity golf tournament, the major sponsor of the Leprechaun Society. "A visitor to the 'old sod,' Doug has enjoyed the requisite February dip in the North Atlantic, as well as a pint or two at the local pubs in Louisbourgh. Always one to lend a hand to someone in need, 'Slip' is chuckling as we honor 'Priceless' with 'a bit o the creature' in his memory."

Martin McNamara V Award

John "Jack" Gorman – Long retired, but fondly remembered, Gorman was the chief court officer for many years at Clinton District Court. "His legacy is the humanity and the compassion he showed to many defendants battling with alcohol or drug addiction. Many lives have been touched and changed for the better because of Jack. He dedicated his spare time to youth sports including the American Legion baseball and Pop Warner football."

Tommy Grealis Award

Andrew Carr — The Irish are known for their generosity and the Grealis family is honored to recognize Carr for his, Sheridan said. "A senior at Clinton High School, he is part of the infamous 'Carr Caterers,' a Carr family commitment to provide hot, nourishing meals to those less fortunate. A National Honor Society student with a part-time job at Subway, he is a role model for others. Our late Grand Marshal Tommy Grealis taught us all how we should treat others, and Andrew carries on that tradition. For his kindness and humility, a bit of green, in Tommy's memory, will ease his path."

Erin Mayou – Both the Grealis family and the wee-people were touched by Mayou's strength, goodness and humor, as told by her mother, Sheridan said. "Erin was her mother's 'rock' as she supported her during chemotherapy treatments. Erin is also a leader among her peers as she is a co-captain of the cheerleading squad that committed themselves to fund-raise for Breast Intentions. Her generosity is evidenced by her use of her own money to purchase hats and mittens for those less fortunate. Our grand marshal is smiling from above as Erin's values, humor and love of family are recognized."